ATLANTA (June 23, 2016) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) was a member of the Georgia Arts Standards Commission Selection Committee tasked with selecting the sculptor who will erect a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Capitol grounds. After a thorough search, the Committee announced Martin C. Dawe as the projects’ sculptor.

“The Georgia Arts Standards Commission Selection Committee is confident in its selection of Martin C. Dawe,” said Sen. Harbison. “Dawe has a proven track record of artistic achievement and we look forward to finally taking the long overdue step to create a statue honoring the life, legacy and memory of Martin Luther King Jr. on Capitol grounds.”

Other members of the Selection Committee included Rep. Calvin Smyre (D – Columbus), a representative from the King Estate, Chairwoman of the Georgia Arts Standards Commission Carrie Ashbee and Georgia Capitol Museum Registrar Karin Johnston.

Gov. Deal first announced plans for the statue at last year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial ceremony. The Committee expects the completed statue to be unveiled in early 2017.